Relapse Prevention

About Relapse Prevention at Silicon Beach Outpatient

Relapse prevention is one of the main goals of continued recovery and is focused around a cognitive behavioral approach. Relapse prevention has the goal of being able to identify a high risk situation and abstaining from any action that would result in the problematic behavior. To an addict, relapse could be a life or death decision.

It is important to understand that relapse is not a sudden action. There are often stages to relapse and a large part of prevention is knowing the warning signs. There are many things in life that can cause stress, often times where there is stress, a person is more likely to relapse.

Specific situations that can lead to relapse include:

Death of a loved one

Financial problems

Loss of a job or problems at work

Health Issues

Marriage or relationship problems

External situations are not the cause of relapse for people. Internal feelings and emotions can overwhelm people enough to feel the need to use, and unhealthy behaviors/habits is also usually a factor in relapse.

One important part of relapse prevention is the understanding that there are situations in life that cannot be controlled. Sober support is crucial to preventing a relapse, therapists, sponsors, and friends can be helpful to speak with when struggling with triggers that could lead to using and relapse.

There are many things that can be done when experiencing a trigger. Recognizing early signs of relapse is important, and learning coping skills will aid you in sustained recovery. Therapists at Silicon Beach Outpatient work with patients on developing their own relapse prevention action plan for situations where they may be vulnerable.

Here are a few examples of positive things to do when dealing with triggers or cravings:

Read a book

Go on a walk

Go to the gym

Call sober support (sponsor, friends, family)

Journal

Attend a meeting (NA, AA, etc.)

It is important to remember that using alcohol and drugs is not the answer, no matter how bad the situation may be. Relapse will only bring more pain and devastation to any situation. At Silicon Beach Outpatient, our therapists teach patients to recognize the warning signs of relapse in order to catch themselves before it is too late.

If you know someone is struggling or you yourself are struggling with relapsed or drug and alcohol abuse, please do not wait to get help. Call us anytime, day or night, at 844.415.8198.